Jesus is God

"Matthew Shaw" (mshaw@teleplex.bsu.edu)
Thu, 15 Oct 1998 11:58:50 -0500


[Marlon]:
  It is the same with those who receive the Holy Ghost,  but fail to
>continue to submit to Gods will.  So they remain in the false churches. But
>that in no ways undermines the fact that they genuinely receive the Spirit.
>     How do you all feel?
>Marlon

[Matthew]:
I've wondered about this sort of thing often!  I have come to conclude that
there are many sincere Christians outside of Apostolic circles.  God is our
Judge, and I don't wish to judge.

Getting a little emotional, I should say that I feel so privileged to have
received the truth of the doctrine of Christ and the New Birth experience.
I'm not trying to compromise the truth or the worth of the truth.

I believe we should actively (yet responsibly) work with other believers to
help them find the truth.

I have many precious AOG friends.  They may not see the doctrines of the
word the way I do, but I cannot deny that they are attempting with
resolution and conviction to follow Christ.  I've even noticed amongst many
of them a return to holiness, a real desire to please God.  I attribute that
to the Holy Ghost working *within* them.  We, as Apostolics, must realise
that we don't have a monopoly on God or His wondrous truths.  We are blessed
to have seen the glory of the Apostolic message, but we can never
effectively communicate it if we assume such a haughty stance and elitism
that we deny the Christian experience of other believers who may not possess
the whole truth.

I know this is somewhat reminiscent of some discussions earlier with our
dear Bro. Starcher.  I respect his opinions, and I believe he has a true
love for Apostolic doctrine.  I'm not going all oecumenical on anyone and
believe emphatically that the Church cannot enlarge Her borders to include
those who do not hold to Apostolic truths.  However, I believe that we must
act on our understandings, revelations and doctrinal purity with care, love,
compassion and the realisation that we are the Body of the Lord in the
Earth.  What we do represents Him.

I'm ranting a bit.  Sorry.

Blessings to all.

All  Honour to Christ Jesus.

Matthew Shaw